Remember I mentioned the good news - bad news - part. This is the good news. Vancouver Island Brewery has a new release. Rarely do I get excited about beers from VIB. The newest brewer Chris said this one was a little different, "In designing Beachcomber, our aim was to make a light, summer session beer aimed at drinkers who want something more interesting than just a light lager -- something for the beer geeks to drink after mowing the lawn." Another kicker is that they used Weihenstephan ale yeast.
Chris further explains the brew," Unlike most wheat ales, however, it is fermented relatively cold to suppress the banana notes, allowing some clove spiciness, as well as some of the more tropical fruit notes to shine through."
One of the sales reps also divulged company secrets - perhaps he had too much Beachcomber. Bombers are planned for this summer, more seasonal releases and perhaps growler fills at the brewery. This will be the summer of beer!

So what did the beer prick think?

Beachcomber Summer Ale (VIB) = 7/10

Normally wheat beers/hefe are inherently boring. This is one of the best I have had in a while. The nose was crisp with lemon curds, meringue and vague spiciness. Each bright sip had ample carbonation and tasted like perfect patio beer. Lemon spread, bread, cream of wheat and whimsical tropical fruit salad with papaya literally danced on the tongue. Only a slight spicy breadiness remained. The flavours are simple but very nice. I sound like a fanboy. This is a nice beer; not a palate challenger, just nice, simple and delicious.

Taste +4
Aftertaste +1
Alcohol Content 0 5.3%
Value +1
Appearance +1

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